Yesterday, I posted about what the team here at Zogo has learned so far from the far-reaching effects of the coronavirus pandemic. I wrote about how we are committed to growing through this crisis. I also wrote about how privileged we are to be in place of relative stability, both as a business and as individuals, during this period. 

Today, I wanted to take that message a little further by listing some local and national organizations that are working to help those in need during this challenging time. 

We know that not everyone has spare cash on hand right now, and that’s okay — you can help the following groups just by donating your time, signing a petition or picking up a few extra items at the grocery store. Some of them are based in Durham — Zogo’s hometown — and others are national. 

It doesn’t take much to do good. Here are five organizations you can donate time or money to and help your community in the age of COVID-19:

1. Urban Ministries of Durham: UMD works to offer food, clothes and shelter to homeless, poor or hungry members of the Durham community. Since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, the group has made several changes to its programs: closing down food pantry and clothing services, losing many volunteers and moving all shelter residents to a hotel so that they may practice social distancing. UMD has created an Amazon wish list of items needed for COVID-19 preparations and is seeking donations to help cover these and other new expenses.
2. Feeding America: This group is a network of food banks, pantries and meal programs that work to connect farmers, manufacturers and retailers with the groups that can distribute food to hungry Americans. Right now, Feeding America is working to help food banks across the country that are working overtime to help families through the uncertainty of the pandemic. You can donate or find your nearest local food bank on its website.
3. Feed the Fight:  This initiative aims to support struggling restaurants across the country while also bolstering morale for healthcare workers on the frontlines by delivering freshly cooked meals to local hospitals. Here’s the website for our local chapter in Durham.
4. Mama’s House of Thrift: This non-profit in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. has been delivering diapers, toiletries and food to families through the COVID-19 pandemic, serving even higher numbers than usual thanks to the financial difficulties experienced by many during this time. The group is currently accepting donations, including food, toiletries, pet food and other low-cost items. You can also volunteer your time over the next few weeks to help the non-profit sort through donations (while taking COVID-related precautions, of course).
5. Get Us PPE: This national organization is a grassroots effort to provide healthcare workers with the critical personal protective equipment they need to protect themselves while treating COVID-19 patients. According to the non-profit’s website, you can help by signing the group’s petition, spreading the word to family and friends or making a donation to fund the acquisition and distribution of equipment.

At Zogo, we want to help people of all ages secure a better financial future, and a better future in general — and that includes those who are most in need.

What are you doing to help others and give back to your community in this time of crisis?